34 Samss 846

Materials System Specification
34-SAMSS-846 22 January 2015

Flow Computers for Custody Transfer
Measurement of Hydrocarbon Gases
Document Responsibility: Custody Measurement Standards Committee
Saudi Aramco Desktop Standards

Table of Contents
1 Scope................................................................... 2
2 Conflicts and Deviations....................................... 2
3 References........................................................... 2
4 Definitions and Abbreviations............................... 4
5 General Requirements......................................... 6
6 General Design Requirements............................. 9
7 Panel Mount Flow Computer Requirements...... 22
8 Field Mount Flow Computer Requirements........ 24
9 Flow Computer Requirements
for Ultrasonic Meter..................................... 25
10 Flow Computer Requirements
for Coriolis Meter......................................... 26
11 Shipping Requirements...................................... 26
12 Documentation................................................... 27
13 Testing................................................................ 28
Appendix.................................................................... 29
Previous Issue: 18 October 2009 Next Planned Update: 22 January 2020
Primary contact: Salim, Mohammed (salimx0b) on +966-13-8801371
Copyright©Saudi Aramco 2015. All rights reserved.

Document Responsibility: Custody Measurement Standards Committee 34-SAMSS-846
Issue Date: 22 January 2015 Flow Computers for Custody Transfer
Next Planned Update: 22 January 2020 Measurement of Hydrocarbon Gases
1 Scope
This specification, together with instrument specification sheet and purchase requisition,
defines the minimum requirements for flow computers used in custody transfer
measurement applications for hydrocarbon gases.
2 Conflicts and Deviations
2.1 Any conflicts between this specification and other applicable Saudi Aramco
Materials System Specifications (SAMSSs), Engineering Standards (SAESs),
Standard Drawings, (SASDs), or industry standards, codes, and forms shall be
resolved in writing by the Company or Buyer Representative through the
Manager, Process & Control Systems Department of Saudi Aramco, Dhahran.
2.2 Direct all requests to deviate from this specification in writing to the Company or
Buyer Representative, who shall follow internal company procedure SAEP-302
and forward such requests to the Manager, Process & Control Systems
Department of Saudi Aramco, Dhahran.
2.3 Direct all requests for interpretation of this specification in writing to the
Company or Buyer Representative who shall forward them to the Chairman,
Custody Measurement Standards Committee for resolution. The Chairman,
Custody Measurement Standards Committee shall be solely responsible for
determining whether a proposed installation meets the requirements of this
specification.
3 References
Material or equipment supplied to this specification shall comply with the latest edition
of the references listed below, unless otherwise noted.
3.1 Saudi Aramco References
Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedure

SAEP-302 Instructions for Obtaining a Waiver of a Mandatory
Saudi Aramco Engineering Requirement
Saudi Aramco Engineering Standard

SAES-A-112 Meteorological and Seismic Design Data
Saudi Aramco Materials System Specifications

34-SAMSS-114 Ultrasonic Flow Meters for Gas Custody
Measurement
Page 2 of 37
34-SAMSS-115 Coriolis Flow Meters for Gas Custody Measurement
Saudi Aramco Forms and Data Sheets

SA-8020-846 ISS-Flow Computer for Custody Transfer of
Hydrocarbon Gases
3.2 Industry Codes and Standards
Electronic Industries Association

EIA/TIA-232-E Interface between Data Terminal Equipment and
Data Circuit-Terminating Equipment Employing
Serial Binary Data Interchange
EIA RS-422-A Electrical Characteristics of Balanced Voltage
Digital Interface Circuits
EIA RS-485 Electrical Characteristics of Generators and
Receivers for use in Balanced Digital Multipoint
Systems
American National Standards Institute/Institute of Electrical & Electronics

Engineers
ANSI/IEEE 802.3 Supplement to ISO/IEC 8802-3, Local and
Metropolitan Area Networks Section 13 & 14
National Electrical Manufacturers Association

NEMA ICS 6 Enclosures for Industrial Controls and Systems
NEMA 250 Enclosures for Electrical Equipment
(1000 Volts Maximum)
International Electrotechnical Commission

EC EMC Directive 2004/108/EC
IEC 61000-4-3(2000) Electromagnetic compatibility – Part 4 Section 3-
Radiated, Radio-Frequency, Electromagnetic
Field Immunity Test
IEC 61000-6-2 Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) – Generic
Standards – Immunity for Industrial Environments
IEC 60529 Degrees of Protection Provided by Enclosures
(IP Code)
IEC 60751 Industrial Platinum Resistance Thermometers and
Platinum Temperature Sensors
Page 3 of 37
National Fire Protection Association

NFPA 70 National Electrical Code (NEC)
API Manual of Petroleum Measurements Standards (MPMS)

Chapter 1 Vocabulary
Chapter 5.5 Fidelity and Security of Flow Measurement Pulsed-
Data Transmission Systems
Chapter 14 Natural Gas Fluids Measurement, Section 3
Chapter 21 Flow Measurement Using Electronic Metering
Systems, Section -1 Electronic Gas Measurement
American Gas Association

Report 3 Orifice Metering Of Natural Gas and Other Related
Hydrocarbons Fluids, Part 3 Natural Gas
Applications (AGA 3)
Report 5 Fuel Gas Energy Metering (AGA 5)
Report 8 Compressibility Factors of Natural Gas and Other
Hydrocarbon Gases (AGA 8)
Report 9 Measurement of Gas by Multi-point Ultrasonic
Meters (AGA 9)
Report 10 Speed of Sound in Natural Gas and Other Related
Hydrocarbon Gases
4 Definitions and Abbreviations
4.1 Definitions
Custody Transfer Measurement: A specialized form of measurement that

provides quantity and quality information used for the physical and fiscal
documentation of a change in ownership and/or responsibility of hydrocarbon
commodities. This includes measurement of hydrocarbon liquid and gas
movements (deliveries or receipts) between Saudi Aramco and its customers,
suppliers, joint ventures and transport contractors including VELA ships.
Flow Computer: A dedicated off-the-shelf electronic device specifically

designed for calculating and totaling metered volumes, and/or calculating meter
factors during meter proving for one or more meters.
Redundant Devices: Two identical devices that operate in an interchangeable

primary/secondary arrangement in which the functions of the primary device are
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duplicated in the secondary and are automatically transferred to the secondary if

the primary fails without the intervention of a third device.
Ticket: A document specifying the quantity and quality of hydrocarbon

measured using a meter or tank.
Vendor: The party that supplies or sells integrated metering systems, metering
equipment, or components.
4.2 Abbreviations
API American Petroleum Institute
CV Control Valve
EPROM Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory
GC Gas Chromatograph
IP Internet Protocol
MAC Media Access Control
mmacf Million Actual Cubic Feet
mmBtu Million British Thermal Units
mmscf Million Standard Cubic Feet
mmscfd Million Standard Cubic Feet per Day
mmscfh Million Standard Cubic Feet per Hour
OPC OLE for Process Control
P&CSD Process& Control Systems Department
PCB Printed Circuit Board
RAM Random Access Memory
ROM Read Only Memory
RTU Remote Terminal Unit
TCP/IP Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol
VAC Voltage Alternating Current
VDC Voltage Direct Current
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5 General Requirements
The flow computer shall be purchased from an approved Saudi Aramco manufacturer
and labeled per the tag number provided on the Instrumentation Specification Sheet
SA-8020-846.
5.1 Environmental Conditions
5.1.1 Temperature
The flow computer shall operate continuously under the following

ambient air temperatures without any degradation of the manufacturer's
guaranteed performance:
Indoor Air Outdoor Outdoor

(2) (1)(2)(3) (2)(3)
Conditioned Sheltered Unsheltered
Maximum 35°C (95°F) 55°C (131°F) 65°C (149°F)
Minimum 10°C (50°F) 0°C (32°F) 0°C (32°F)
Notes:
1) “Sheltered” refers to permanent, ventilated enclosures or buildings, or
permanently fixed sunshades with a top and three sides.
2) For instruments which dissipate internal heat and are installed in custom
engineered enclosures (e.g., enclosures not included in the original
manufacturer's temperature certification), an additional 15°C shall be added
to the above maximum temperatures. An example, for “indoor air
conditioned” installation, the equipment must perform at 35 + 15 = 50°C.
Similarly, for the “outdoor unsheltered” case, the equipment shall be designed
for a maximum operating temperature of 65 + 15 = 80°C.
5.1.2 Humidity
Indoor humidity design basis shall be 20% to 80% relative humidity.
Outdoor design basis shall be 5% to 95% relative humidity

(non-condensing).
5.1.3 Ambient Air Quality
The flow computer shall be protected from airborne contaminants as

specified in SAES-A-112, paragraph 4.6, to prevent corrosion and
operational failure.
5.1.4 Offshore and Near-shore Environment
Equipment which is not enclosed or hermetically sealed, but is situated

offshore or nearshore, shall be protected against corrosion and
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operational failure due to wind-borne sea water spray and the

accumulation of wetted salt (NaCl). Nearshore is defined as any
outdoor, onshore location within one kilometer from the shoreline of the
Arabian Gulf; all of the Ras Tanura Refinery and Terminal; and within
three kilometers from the shoreline of the Red Sea.
5.2 Electrical Area Classification
5.2.1 The Vendor shall be responsible for furnishing the flow computer that
meets the area classification as specified in the Instrument Specification
Sheet SA-8020-846 or purchase requisition.
5.2.2 Certification
Installations in hazardous locations shall be per the National Electrical

Code, with the following additions and exceptions: IEC or Ex labeled
equipment meeting requirement of IEC 60079 and certified by one of the
agencies in the Approved IECEx Certification Bodies (ExCBs) under
IECEx Certified Equipment Scheme is acceptable. Class and Zone
markings are not required on Ex marked equipment but method of
protection must be marked and must correspond with NEC Article 505
requirements for suitable protection method(s) for the hazardous area
where the equipment is applied. Markings based on other schemes or
directives such as ATEX are not acceptable.
5.3 Enclosures Indoor and Outdoor
The flow computer enclosure shall conform to NEMA ICS 6 & NEMA 250, or
IEC 60529. Non-explosion proof enclosures shall be specified as NEMA 4 or to
IP56 rating. Explosion proof enclosures shall be NEMA 4X (IP 66).
5.4 Electrical Requirements
Unless specified otherwise on Instrument Specification Sheet SA-8020-846, the

flow computer shall meet the following requirements:
5.4.1 Voltage and Frequency Variations
The AC/DC power supply requirement for the flow computer shall be
per the Instrument Specification Sheet SA-8020-846.
The flow computer shall be suitable for operation and interface to any
devices within the specified voltage variations as given in Table 1.
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Table 1 – Supply Voltages

Supply Voltage
System/Device Nominal NEC Class
Tolerance
Field switch contacts 24 VDC 21-28 VDC 1 or 2
24 VDC
Analog signal (loop power) 21-28 VDC 1 or 2
(4-20 mA)
Instrumentation power 24 VDC 21-28 VDC 1 or 2
5.4.2 Supplies to DC instrument loads: Voltage stabilization shall be provided

to maintain the output voltage within tolerable limits of the loads served.
5.4.3 A plainly marked, easily accessible equipment enclosure grounding

connection shall be provided.
5.4.4 External wiring connections shall be to screw-type terminal blocks or

channel (rail) mounted, strip-type terminal blocks, with tubular box
clamp connector and compression bar or yoke.
5.6 Electromagnetic Compatibility and Electromagnetic Immunity
Electrical and electronic equipment shall carry the EC conformity mark (“CE”)
designating compliance with European EMC Directive 2004/108/EC.
A conformance certificate from an authorized agency stating the equipment is

immune to electromagnetic interference, electrostatic discharge, radio frequency
interference, surge and fast transients, voltage dips and interruptions at
Performance Level A in accordance with IEC 61000-6-2. The certificate must
confirm the equipment is immune to radiated, radio frequency and
electromagnetic emissions in accordance with IEC 61000-4-3 using Test Level 3.
5.7 Vendor Responsibility
The integrator shall guarantee to support all system in which this flow computer
is installed for hardware, firmware, and software with spare parts and services
for a period of five (5) years from the system delivery date or as defined in the
contract or purchase order whichever is longer. This support shall not be
contingent on the customer upgrading to later releases of software or hardware
unless this upgrade is supplied at no additional cost.
The manufacturer of the flow computer shall notify Saudi Aramco of product
termination at least 3 years before the product is removed or discontinued from
service, support and/or production.
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5.8 Units of Measurement
The units of measure for the flow computer will be specified on Instrument
Specification Sheet SA-8020-846, and shall be U.S. Customary (USC) for
custody transfer measurement:
Quantity Unit
Volume mmscf
Flow Rate mscfh, mmscfd
Static Pressure psig
Temperature ºF
Heating Value Btu/scf
Total Heating Value mmBtu
Density @ reference conditions lb/scf
Density @ flowing conditions lb/acf
5.9 Reference Conditions
All observed volumes shall be corrected to the reference temperature and

pressure appropriate for the system of units.
Item U.S. Customary (USC)

Reference Temperature 60°F
Reference Pressure 14.73 psia
6 General Design Requirements
6.1 Hardware
The flow computer shall be composed of manufacturer’s standard supplied

hardware, software and firmware that can be configured to meet the stated
requirements.
The flow computer shall be a standard off-the-shelf electronic device provided

by the manufacturer with tamper-proof program memory.
Electrical connections from the field to the flow computer for power and I/O
shall be via suitable terminals. These terminals shall be located at the rear of the
flow computer or may be mounted remotely via suitable connectors and cables.
In case remote terminal blocks are used, the connector cables shall be provided.
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The flow computer shall have a date and time clock that can be set locally
through the front panel or downloaded via the communication link. The clock
shall have battery backup. The clock shall be capable of being synchronized by
a host system.
The flow computer shall be equipped to safeguard start after minimum 1 year
power off.
All I/O circuits shall be protected against transient voltage surges of up to

300 V RMS, such transient surges shall not cause damage or system
performance degradation.
Common Mode Rejection Ratio (CMRR) of the input circuitry shall be 60 dB or

greater for DC to 60 Hz. Normal Mode Rejection Ration shall be 30 dB or
greater at 60 Hz.
Access to flow computer circuit boards/modules shall be such that field wiring
does not need to be disconnected.
Each flow computer shall be supplied with a minimum of 20% expansion

capability for all I/O or as specified on the flow computer specification sheet.
6.1.1 Pulse Inputs
Each flow computer shall have capability for duel pulse inputs per meter
run. The number of pulse inputs shall be specified in the Instrumentation
Specification Sheet SA-8020-846.
The flow computer shall be capable of handling at minimum from 0 up

to 5 KHz at its input.
Pulse Inputs shall be protected from over current, transients and over
voltages.
6.1.2 Analog Inputs
The number of analogue inputs shall be specified in the Instrumentation

Analog inputs shall be 4-20 mA or selectable to be 4-20 mA or 1-5V.

A/D conversion shall be 14 bits minimum.
Analog inputs shall be protected from over current, transients and over
voltages.
It shall be possible to individually calibrate each analog input channel on
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the flow computer. Analogue input modules shall be able to power

4-20 mA field instrumentation loops with a loop resistance of 600 ohms.
Alternatively, if specified in the flow computer specification sheet,
4-20 mA loops can be externally powered.
Each flow computer shall be capable of accepting temperature inputs

from 4 wire platinum RTDs conforming to IEC 60751.
6.1.3 Discrete Inputs
The flow computer shall have the number of discrete inputs as specified
in the Instrumentation Specification Sheet SA-8020-846.
Discrete inputs shall be protected from over current, transients and over
voltages.
All discrete input circuits shall include electronic signal isolation circuitry.
Discrete input channels shall have hardware filters or configurable

software filter algorithms to handle transient inputs or perform contact
debouncing.
6.1.4 Analog Outputs
The number of analogue inputs shall be specified in the Instrumentation

Analog outputs shall be 4-20 mA or selectable to be 4-20 mA or 1-5V.

D/A conversion shall be by 12 bits minimum. Analogue outputs shall be
powered by the flow computer.
The output should be capable to drive a resistive load of 600 Ohms

impedance.
Analog outputs shall be protected from short circuit, over current,

transients and over voltages.
It shall be possible to individually calibrate each analog output channel

on the flow computer.
6.1.5 Discrete Outputs
The flow computer shall have the number of digital outputs as specified
in the Instrumentation Specification Sheet.
Digital output shall be solid state or relay. The minimum output rating
for each channel shall be 100 mA.
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Digital outputs shall be protected from short circuit, over current,

transients and over voltages.
The flow computer shall be capable of supporting the following:

 On/off contact
 Latching and non-latching (momentary) contact outputs
 The duration of the single pulse outputs shall be individually
configurable.
6.1.6 Communications
a) The flow computer shall as a minimum, support multiple
EIA/RS-232, EIA/RS-422, EIA/RS-485, and ANSI/IEEE 802.3
ports for communicating with external devices such as metering
supervisory computers or PC/laptop. Acceptable data
communications protocols include Modbus/RTU, Modbus/ASCII,
Modbus TCP/IP, and OPC.
b) One of the links shall be configurable for printing reports, event
logs, alarms, etc. It shall be possible to obtain archived reports
(audit trail, alarms, etc.) over the IEEE 802.3 network
communications link from the flow computer.
c) In addition, each flow computer shall have an EIA/RS-232,
EIA/RS-422, EIA/RS-485, Ethernet port suitable for uploading and
downloading its entire operating configuration using a portable
computer or local PC.
d) If the flow computer is connected to a network via TCP/IP,
appropriate security protection shall be applied, e.g., IP or MAC
address filters allow only certain computers to have access to the
measurement flow computers.
e) Single and double precision floating-point values shall conform to
the IEEE floating-point formats.
f) All communication links in the flow computer shall support error
correction and multiple retries.
g) The flow computer shall implement error check over its
communication links incorporating either Cyclical Redundancy
Checking (CRC) or Longitudinal Redundancy Checking (LRC) or
Vendor equivalent method, in conjunction with bit parity checks,
fail-safe transmission timer and message error detection.
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h) Information transmitted over the flow computer communications

links shall include, but not limited to:
 Metering configuration
 All dynamic data (pulse totals, temperatures, pressures, volumes,
etc.)
 Calculated values
 I/O & alarm status
 Data input locally by the operator
 Reports (audit trail, alarms, etc.).
i) The flow computer shall be capable of accepting input as floating

point, digital and alphanumeric data to its memory via the front
panel or via a communications link. Such data shall include as
minimum:
 Set points and mode changes
 Tickets transaction data (tickets start/stop, etc.)
 Gas composition data
 Date and time
 Meter calibration data for each meter (up to a maximum of
12 flow rates and corresponding meter factors)
 Base meter factor and normal meter flow rate for each meter
 Meter data (serial number, nominal K factor)
6.1.7 Front Panel

a) Full custody transfer measurement data inputs and outputs,
including but not limited to configuration, flow control, etc., shall
be accessible via the front panel of the flow computer.
b) The numerical resolution on the flow computer display shall be
sufficient to verify the requirements for calculation accuracy.
c) The flow computer shall permit access to configure data relevant
only to the metering application from its display panel under
suitable security. Full configuration and or programming shall be
by use of configuration software described in 6.2.1 (a).
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d) The front panel on each flow computer shall be capable of

displaying 8-digit totalized meter readings and volume totals.
The totalized meter readings and volume totals shall be displayed
in whole units (e.g., mmscfh, mmscfd, mmBtu, etc.). It shall also
be possible through the front panel to review and modify set points
or other non-protected measurement data in the flow computer.
e) All calculation constants shall be securely stored within the
computer and shall also be easily available for inspection through
the flow computer display.
f) Flow computer firmware and its databases shall be designed so that
measurement accuracy is not compromised by inadequate
resolution on the flow computer display of critical constants.
g) The update time for the flow computer display shall be within
1 second to perform any major function including but not limited to
computations, batching, and flow control.
h) Access to all points in the flow computer’s database shall be
possible from the front panel.
i) User assignable keys or other methods shall be provided for
troubleshooting and easy access to various functions in the flow
computer.
Commentary Note:
Non-protected data is any configurable data.
6.1.8 Security
The hardware shall be protected from uncontrolled access by key

lock/wire seal. The tamper proof metering data and configuration
constants shall be protected by multi-level user identification and
password from the display panel and communication ports. The program
memory shall be protected by hardware to prevent unauthorized
updating/overwriting. This feature shall not be accessible when the
panel is locked. The flow computer shall alarm if the hardwire protection
is disabled during a normal operation.
6.2 Software
Commentary Note:
Application software that is written for specific projects cannot be field proven
prior to the hardware freeze date. The exclusion of application software is not
intended to provide exclusion for software written to perform standard functions.
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a) The Vendor’s standard flow computer operating software shall not be

modified to meet any Saudi Aramco’s requirement.
b) Application software shall be designed in a manner that requires no
modification to the flow computer software.
c) The flow computer shall support a local programming interface via a
laptop.
d) Equipment that is provided as part of a system shall be the latest “field
proven” revision level currently available for sale from the original
manufacturer at the time of the hardware freeze date as defined in the
contract or purchase order; whichever is latest. The hardware freeze date
shall not be earlier than the time of placement of the contract or purchase
order.
e) All Vendor proprietary software, exclusive of application software, shall
be the most recent, commercially released, software revision that is
applicable to the flow computer hardware revision level at the hardware
freeze date as defined in the contract or purchase order.
f) A software version number shall be accessible to enable changes in
software to be identified.
g) The flow computer shall have option to change the fiscal day for
continuous measurement systems (e.g., 00:00). The flow computer shall
operate correctly, i.e., calculate and report correct regardless of change in
day, month, year, and decade.
h) The program firmware for calculation of custody transfer quantities shall
be stored in tamper-proof and non-volatile memory, e.g., Flash or
EPROM. The flow computer’s program and data memory shall have
battery backup with a minimum retention time of 1 month of all custody
transfer measurement data without power applied.
i) A restart after power interruption or program fault detection of the flow
computer shall be automatic and shall include a restart for all devices and
programs including correct time from a battery backed real-time calendar
clock within 30 seconds from interruption of fault. This requirement shall
be verifiable.
j) The flow computer shall have self-test and diagnostic routines for
watchdog circuits and diagnostic algorithms running in the background
mode, on each scan cycle to monitor the health of all elements contributing
to the fiscal measurement, including system software and external/internal
communications.
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k) Flow computer shall have the capability to perform proportional and

integral (P+I) flow control with secondary override control selectable for
each meter run.
l) The flow computer shall meet all requirements per API Manual of
Petroleum Measurement Standards, Chapter 21.1 in addition to the
requirements stated in this document.
m) The flow computer shall calculate volume, mass totals for each meter in
accordance with API Manual of Petroleum Measurement Standards,
Chapters 14.3, AGA 3, AGA 5, AGA 8, AGA 9 and AGA 10.
n) The flow computer shall use the downstream static pressure for its
calculations. Ability to select between upstream or downstream static
pressure will provide flexibility. The flow computer shall use downstream
temperature for its calculations. Ability to select between upstream and
downstream temperature will provide flexibility.
o) Each meter run shall be operated individually or configured for
a station with other meters in the flow computer for station operations.
All measurement data and commands shall be available in the flow
computer for such a configuration.
p) Flexibility in custody transfer measurement design can be implemented
through basic Boolean logic, arithmetic and simple programmable
instructions which shall be fully documented and flow charted by the
Vendor.
q) No software or hardware locking mechanisms that restrict the user from
copying application software from the storage media shall be employed.
r) No software or hardware locking mechanisms that restrict the user from
booting (starting up) shall be employed.
s) Flow computer’s operation and maintenance shall not be dependent on
license renewal.
t) The flow computer shall perform the following operations at least once a
second:
 Read all inputs
 Compute all factors and volumes
 Perform all output control functions
6.2.1 Programming and Configuration

a) Any configuration software shall be provided by manufacturer for
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the flow computer for configuring, editing, debugging, etc. the

metering application. The configuration software shall be
compatible with standard of the shelf personal computer(s) (i.e.,
PCs, laptops), operating within a Microsoft Windows environment.
b) The configuration software shall be capable of supporting both on-
line and off-line configuration. Making on-line configuration,
(e.g., updating meter curves, default values, Alarm limits, etc.)
shall be possible without having to reset or re-initialize metering
application program currently running within the flow computer or
corrupting the current ticket measurement. Off-line configuration
will involve making changes to the copy of the current
configuration prior to updating the flow computer.
c) Simple flow computer configuration is preferred with minimal
effort to establish custody transfer measurement setup.
Extensive programming to customize the custody transfer
measurement setup is not acceptable.
6.2.2 Configuration Data and Commands

a) Configuration data shall include the following as minimum:
 Meter manufacturer, model, size, serial number, nominal
K-factor, tag number, customer tag, etc.
 Flow computer manufacturer, model number, serial number,
tag number; and meter calibration data, etc.
b) Normal operational commands shall include the following as
minimum:
 Provide a master meter method for meter comparison
 Set gas composition
 Set default values for field instruments
 Set flow control mode (auto/manual), set points, outputs.
c) All daily counters, registers, internal switches, etc., will be reset at
the programmed hour each day, in such a way that no data is lost
and there is no effect on the accuracy of calculations.
d) The flow computer shall have auto selection of default temperature,
pressure and density in the event of transmitter failure.
6.2.3 Ticket Calculations

a) The flow computer shall calculate the following as minimum:
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 Actual volume flow

 Standard volume flow
 Energy flow.
 Hourly and daily totals.
 Average flow rates.
 Average flow-weighted process variables.
 Average meter factor per meter.
b) The flow computer shall accept manual input for secondary sensors
(temperature, pressure, gas composition) as necessary to perform
calculations per API Manual of Petroleum Measurement Standards,
Chapter 14.3 and American Gas Association Standards, AGA 3,
AGA 5, AGA 8, AGA 9 and AGA 10. The manual input values
shall be verifiable without rounding off or truncation of digits.
c) All flow increment calculations shall be performed to full computer
accuracy. (No truncation or rounding off). The interval between
each cycle for computation of instantaneous flow shall not exceed
1 second for calculations and flow control. This requirement shall
be verifiable.
d) All calculations performed by the flow computer shall be manually
verified to be within ±0.001%.
e) The flow computer shall retain totalized meter reading for each
assigned meter in an internal register which can be read remotely
and/or via the front panel but cannot be reset or modified.
f) Totalizers on individual meters and station shall have sufficient
digits to prevent rollover more frequently than once every 6
months. The resolution of the totalizers should be such as to
comply with this rollover criterion. The flow computer shall set an
alarm flag to indicate that a rollover has occurred and shall be
indicated on printed reports.
g) Non-resettable registers shall be provided in battery backed
memory when they are of non-electro-mechanical type.
h) Flow computer shall be capable of accepting up to 12 meter factors
and corresponding flow rates for use in the volume calculations.
i) When fixed values or fallback values are used instead of the live
signals during the report interval, this shall be visually identified on
the flow computer display and any reports generated.
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j) Continuity in measurement of the gas flow during regular calibration

of the field instruments or whenever a field instrument of any type
fails shall be available in the flow computer. Auto-selection of the
default values in the event of any field instrument failure (pressure,
temperature, density, gas chromatograph) shall be provided.
Fall back shall be the default value.
6.2.4 Reports
a) The following reports shall be available in the flow computer as
minimum:
 Delivery Tickets
 Snapshot/current status report
 Historical alarms report
 Audit trail report
b) Average flow-weighted values primary measured variables.
c) The flow computer shall have the capability to store as a minimum,
8 previous tickets. All correction factors applied in the calculation
and all data required for manual verification shall be recorded in
the reports.
d) The tickets and comparison report templates shall be per the
samples provided in this document. Simple text or RTF format are
acceptable.
6.2.5 Alarms/Events
a) The flow computer shall continuously monitor and generate alarms
or appropriate events as follows as minimum:
 Watch-dog timer timeout
 Memory error (RAM or ROM)
 Program errors
 I/O failures
 Ticket start, end
 Power failure to flow computer
 Alarms for all parameters impacting measurement (sensor
failure, measured value out of range, pulse errors, etc.)
 Any changes made by an authorized user to any data which
impacts measurement, shall be alarmed and written to the flow
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computer audit trail. The audit trail shall include the date, time,
user identification, before value and the ne value.
 All changes, events and alarms shall be logged and maintained
in the flow computer historical files.
 The flow computer shall alarm when primary/secondary duties
are changed.
 Any user configured alarms
b) Any alarms generated by the flow computer shall be accessible to
authorized persons and recorded within the flow computer
database. It shall be possible to configure additional alarms as
required by the user. It shall be possible to read the status of
alarms within the flow computer database remotely via a
communication port.
c) The flow computer shall raise alarms, save alarms to history.
The historical alarm report shall be accessible from the front panel
or via a remote link.
d) Hardware and software watchdog alarm shall be implemented.
e) There shall be a command to acknowledge alarms/events for each
meter run from the front panel or via a remote link from a higher
level system. Acknowledging of all alarms/events through a single
command is preferred.
f) The flow computer shall log all events including changes made
from a higher level system which impacts measurements and
operator action to history. The event log shall be accessible via the
front panel of the flow computer and/or by a remote link.
6.2.6 Data Archiving
The flow computer shall have the ability to store data for the purpose of
troubleshooting custody transfer measurement discrepancies or
establishing some aspect of audit trails. The flow computer shall provide
as a minimum the following data archiving options:
 Raw data archive
 Historical reports archive
These can be preconfigured or user selectable or the combination of

both. A minimum of 1 month data archive shall be available.
Page 20 of 37
6.2.7 Pulse and Data Security

a) Each flow computer shall use dual pulse inputs for each meter to
perform Level B pulse security in accordance with API Manual of
Petroleum Measurement Standards, Chapter 5.5.
b) It shall not be possible to modify any measurement related data
(e.g., volumes, average process data, etc.) from the front panel or
via any communications link.
c) Metering data and configuration constants shall be under
keylock/wire seal and/or password protection via front panel and/or
via communication ports. Access to view measurement data, input
values or set points within a flow computer shall not be protected
by password or keylock.
d) The flow computer shall write protect by either keylock or
password security techniques, or a combination of both such that
the application program and memory contents are protected from
unauthorized alteration.
e) The flow computer shall be designed such that constants can be
changed only at the appropriate level of password security.
Where it is necessary to use manual data inputs within the
computer, parameters as defaults, fallback values and setting alarm
limits, the use of this data shall be logged automatically.
f) The flow computer shall provide as a minimum four level of
password security from the front panel to protect custody transfer
measurement as follows:
Level 0 - View Only
The default mode is view only. This mode shall allow as a minimum
the viewing of:
 All process values
 Configuration data
 Communication ports settings
 Alarms
 Reports
Level 1 – Operator
This level shall allow as a minimum the following operational

functions for operators:
Page 21 of 37
 Changing CVs set points

 Changing CVs mode (auto/manual)
 Acknowledge alarms/events
 Viewing/printing reports
 Entering GC data
Level 2 - Technician
This level shall allow as a minimum the following functions:

 Manual override of process input values
 I/O calibration
 Changing alarm limits
 Re-assigning I/Os
 Viewing flow computer database
Level 3 - Engineer
This level shall allow as a minimum the following functions:

 Alarms configuration
 Alarm enable/disable
 Flow computer configuration
 Download/uploads of flow computer configuration
 FCVs tuning
 Password control
 Communication ports configuration
 Reports configuration
7 Panel Mount Flow Computer Requirements
In addition to requirements stated in this document, the following requirements shall be

met for panel mount flow computer:
7.1 Redundancy
7.1.1 Flow computers shall be capable of operating in a redundant, primary /

secondary configuration without the intervention of any higher level
system. The secondary flow computer shall be a hot standby to the
primary flow computer. In the event of failure of the primary flow
computer, the back-up must take full control in a bumpless switch-over.
Page 22 of 37
There shall be no data loss or change when switching over to a standby

system. The flow computer shall alarm the change-over.
7.1.2 There shall be an option to switch manually (on-demand) the

primary/secondary flow computers duty from the communication ports.
7.1.3 In a redundant configuration, each flow computer shall be capable of

calculating and totaling metered values. Each flow computer shall also
be capable of closed loop control for the metering operations.
7.1.4 In a redundant configuration, the primary flow computer shall control the
meter run CV's. The secondary flow computer shall operate as a “hot”
standby utilizing its own inputs to read process data for its volume
calculations. To ensure complete totalizer autonomy within both
primary and secondary flow computers, process control: mode status,
valve position, and set-point data shall be passed from primary to
secondary through a communication link
7.1.5 If redundancy is specified in the flow computer instrumentation

specification sheet, there shall be no effect on point variables, status,
programs or tasks in progress when a switch over to redundant flow
computer occurs. The maximum time required to resume complete
functionality following a complete switch over shall not exceed 1 second.
Switch over shall not cause loss of data or upset any input or output
signals.
7.1.6 In a redundant configuration, any data exchange between the flow

computers shall be user selectable based on metering station design
configuration.
7.2 Meter Runs
7.2.1 The flow computer shall accommodate a minimum of two meter runs
configurable using all the required inputs (e.g., dual pulse in the case of
Ultrasonic meters).
7.2.2 Each meter run shall be operable as an individual meter or configured as

part of a meter station with other meters. All custody transfer
measurements and commands shall be available to operate the flow
computer in such metering system arrangements.
7.3 Gas Chromatograph
7.3.1 The flow computer shall have the ability to read gas composition from
on-line gas chromatograph.
Page 23 of 37
7.3.2 The flow computer shall interface with the gas chromatograph using
standard industrial communication protocols. A communication protocol
shall be acceptable to both devices (typically MODBUS).
7.3.3 The flow computer shall have functions that give an alarm and inhibit the
use of gas composition values that are outside the ranges defined for the
gas chromatograph. The flow computer shall use the default values
when the reported total gas composition is outside the valid defined
ranges or upon failure of the on-line gas chromatograph.
7.3.4 The flow computer shall calculate gas properties like base compressibility
factor, specific gravity, calorific value, etc., using the gas composition
from the Gas Chromatograph.
7.4 Ultrasonic Meter
7.4.1 The flow computer shall read the ultrasonic meter’s diagnostic data
including velocity of sound, totalizers, gain, signal-to-noise ratio of
transducers, etc., and any deviation between such data and
pre-configured parameters shall be alarmed by the flow computer.
7.4.2 The flow computer shall operate as a master or slave on the

communication port to the meter according to the operating mode
designated by the flow computer.
8 Field Mount Flow Computer Requirements
In addition to requirements stated in this document, the following requirements shall be

met for field mount flow computer:
8.1 Multivariable Sensors
Multivariable sensors used as an integral part of the flow computer are

acceptable providing it satisfies the metering design requirements per
API Manual of Petroleum Measurement Standards, Chapter 14.3.
8.2 Meter Runs
The flow computer must provide as a minimum single meter run.
The flow computer shall have the capability to supply all the required signals to
establish as a minimum a single meter run per API Manual of Petroleum
Measurement Standards, Chapter 14.3.
Page 24 of 37
8.3 Control Valves
The flow computer shall provide PID control for at least one analogue output.
9 Flow Computer Requirements for Ultrasonic Meter
In addition to meeting the design requirements stated in 34-SAMSS-114, the following

shall be the minimum requirements for ultrasonic meters in gas custody transfer
measurement system from the flow computer:
9.1 Hardware
Each flow computer shall have pulse inputs from two (normally designated A &
B) pulse generators for each assigned meter.
The number of frequency inputs for the flow computer will be as specified per
ISS-820-846-ENG.
Per the communication requirements stated in sections 6.1.6, a communication

channel shall be setup between the flow computer and the ultrasonic meter to
exchange measurement and verification data.
The flow computer shall meet the hardware connectivity requirements for
ultrasonic meters as specified in 34-SAMSS-114 and AGA Report 9.
9.2 Software
The flow computer shall have a meter linearization curve for implementing the
flow calibration data of the ultrasonic meter. This shall comprise of meter
factors and flow rates. The minimum of 8 point curve shall be available in the
flow computer.
The dual pulse inputs from the ultrasonic meter shall be the only inputs used for
performing measurement computations at the flow computer. The serial link
shall NOT be used as a back-up mechanism for updating any totalizers within
the flow computer. In addition to data transfer between the flow computer and
the ultrasonic meter, the serial link shall be used for measurement comparison
between the flow computer and computation performed in the ultrasonic meter.
The flow computer shall read ultrasonic meter’s totalizers /flow/velocity and
perform comparison with its internal totalizers at a configurable frequency and
deviation levels. Any deviation between such totalizers shall be alarmed in the
flow computer.
Page 25 of 37
10 Flow Computer Requirements for Coriolis Meter
In addition to the requirements stated in 34-SAMSS-115, the following shall be the

minimum requirements for ultrasonic meters in gas custody transfer measurement
system from the flow computer.
10.1 Hardware
Each flow computer shall receive two mass pulse inputs (normally designated A
& B) pulses for each assigned meter.
The number of frequency inputs required from the flow computer shall be as
specified per ISS-820-846-ENG.
The flow computer shall meet the hardware connectivity requirements for
Coriolis meters as specified in 34-SAMSS-115.
10.2 Software
The flow computer shall have a meter linearization curve for implementing the
flow calibration data of the Coriolis meter per 34-SAMSS-115.
The dual pulse mass output from the Coriolis meter shall be the only inputs used
for performing measurement computations at the flow computer. The totalized
mass pulses plus GC density (manual override in case of GC failure) shall be
used to compute throughput volume for each meter.
A minimum of 6 linearization curve points of shall be possible for the setup of

the Coriolis meter.
11 Shipping Requirements
11.1 All necessary repairs, replacements or modifications to hardware, firmware, and

software, shall be completed by the Vendor prior to shipment.
11.2 The Vendor shall be responsible for ensuring the equipment is properly prepared
for shipment, including, but not limited to, the requirements specified hereafter.
11.2.1 General
a) All equipment and internals being shipped shall be braced and
temporary supports shall be provided, if required, to prevent
damage during shipment.
b) Equipment shall be marked with water-soluble materials that will
not attack or damage the equipment at either ambient or operating
Page 26 of 37
temperatures. Marking materials shall be free of lead, sulfur, zinc,

cadmium, mercury, chlorine and all other halogens.
c) Markings for export shall conform to the requirements specified on
the purchase order.
11.2.2 Electronic and Electrical Equipment

a) The Vendor shall determine if electronics and instruments are
susceptible to damage from shock, weather or extremes of
temperature during shipment. If required, such items shall be
removed after the functional test and shipped separately.
b) Electronic equipment shall be prepared and protected for shipment
in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. As a
minimum, the equipment shall be fitted with a vapor phase
inhibitor emitter (CORTEC VCI-101, VCI-105, VCI-110 or
equivalent).
c) Electrical boxes shall be fitted with vapor phase inhibitor emitters
(CORTEC VCI-101, VCI-105, VCI-110 or equivalent).
12 Documentation
In addition to documentation required in the purchase order, Vendor shall furnish the
following additional documentation upon receipt of a purchase order:
a) The Vendor shall supply in software format copies of all configuration and
communication software, copy of configuration file for the specific application
and soft copies of the flow computer manuals.
b) Operation Manual, describing flow computer operation and calibration procedures
allowing field personnel to start-up, operate and safely shut down the flow
computer.
c) Configuration Manual
d) Installation Manual.
e) Trouble Shooting Manual, containing trouble shooting diagrams that allow field
personnel to identify a fault by means of a simple step-by-step procedure.
f) Recommended list of spare parts.
Page 27 of 37
13 Testing
Each flow computer shall have as part of the purchase delivery a factory test certificate
verifying the health in compliance with this SAMSS prior to leaving Vendor site.
A full set of calculations and input tests shall be carried out when the flow computer is
configured for a metering application. The tests shall include but not limited to self-
check and self-diagnostics at start-up and continuously during normal operation shall be
part of the Vendor tests. The algorithms and fixed parameters important for accurate
computation of custody transfer quantities shall be verified as part of the Vendor tests.
Revision Summary
22 January 2015 Major revision incorporating Value Engineering resolutions and the requirement for Coriolis
meter was added.
Page 28 of 37
Appendix
Appendix 1A Delivery Ticket Format for Ultrasonic Metering Systems
Appendix 1B Delivery Ticket Format for Orifice Metering System
Appendix 1C Delivery Ticket Format for Coriolis Metering System
Appendix 1D Comparison Report for Ultrasonic Meters
Page 29 of 37
Appendix 1A - Daily Delivery Ticket Format for Ultrasonic Metering Systems

Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Saudi Aramco)
Station: AAAAAAAAA Delivery Date: MM/DD/YYYY

Ticket No.: XXXX Flow Computer Tag. No.: AAA-XXX Print Date/Time: MM/DD/YYYY/HH:MM
SERVICE GAS: AAAAAAAAA
Meter Data:
Tag No. AAA-XXX Model No.: AAA-XXX Serial No.: XXXXXX
Manufacturer: AAAAAAAAA Meter K-Factor: XXXX Pulses/CF
Pipe ID (in): XX.XXX USM ID (in):XX.XXX
1. Meter Closing (Date/Time) MM/DD/YYYY/HH:MM:SS
2. Meter Opening (Date/Time) MM/DD/YYYY/HH:MM:SS
3. Idle Time XX.XXX Hrs
4. Net Delivery Time XX.XXX Hrs
5. Meter Closing Reading (mmscf) XXX.XXX
6. Meter Opening Reading (mmscf) XXX.XXX
7. Total Volume (mmscf) XXX.XXX
8. Meter Closing Reading (mmBtu) XXXXXX
9. Meter Opening Reading (mmBtu) XXXXXX
10. Total Heating Value (mmBtu) XXXXXX
11. Average Flow Rate (mmscfd) XXX.XXX
12. Average Temperature (F) XXX.X
13. Average Pressure (PSIG) XXX
14. Average Density (lb/scf) XX.XX
15. Average Meter Factor X.XXXX
16. Daily Average Gas Velocities:
Chord A XX.XX FT/S Chord C XX.XX FT/S Meter Average Gas Velocity XX.XX FT/S
Chord B XX.XX FT/S Chord D XX.XX FT/S
17. Gas Composition:
C1 XX.XX
C2 XX.XX
C3 XX.XX
i C4 XX.XX
n C4 XX.XX
i C5 XX.XX
n C5 XX.XX
C6+ XX.XX
N2 XX.XX
CO2 XX.XX
H2S XX.XX
H2O XX.XX
Average Heating Value XXXX BTU/SCF
Specific Gravity X.XXXX
Non-Negotiable, Non-Transferable
Saudi Arabian Oil Company
Checked for Saudi Aramco by: __________________________ Date: ____________
Page 30 of 37
Explanation of Delivery Ticket for Systems with Ultrasonic Flow Meters
A new ticket shall be initiated upon delivery or receipt; automatically at midnight of each day; or when manually
initiated by the operator.
STATION - Alpha-numeric value entered in the metering system computer during initialization
METER TICKET NUMBER – Computer generated number plus an alpha character if applicable. Numbers for
each meter are consecutively assigned by the flow computer beginning with 12:00 midnight of the 1st day of each
year
FLOW COMPUTER TAG. NO. - The tag number of the flow computer used to calculate the total volume and
energy for the batch
DELIVERY DATE - Date of the delivery
PRINT DATE/TIME - Date and time when ticket is printed
SERVICE GAS – Alpha-numeric value entered in the metering flow computer during initialization (Natural Gas
or Ethane)
METER DATA (METER TAG NO , MANUFACTURER, MODEL NO. AND SERIAL NO., PIPE INSIDE
DIAMETER, ULTRASONIC METER DIAMETER AND METER K-FACTOR) - Alpha-numeric values entered
in the metering system computer during initialization
1. METER CLOSING (DATE/TIME): Date and time delivery stops as determined by flow computer
2. METER OPENING (DATE/TIME): Date and time delivery starts as determined by flow computer
3. IDLE TIME: Calculated by the flow computer
4. NET DELIVERY TIME: Calculated by flow computer = Item 1-Item 2-Item 3
5. METER CLOSING READING: Total accumulated volume reading at the time the delivery stops (mmscf).
6. METER OPENING READING: Total accumulated volume reading at the time the delivery starts (mmscf).
7. TOTAL VOLUME: Item 5-Item 6 (mmscf)
8. METER CLOSING READING: Total accumulated heating value reading at the time delivery stops (mmBtu)
9. METER OPENING READING: Total accumulated heating value reading at the time the delivery starts (mmBtu)
10. TOTAL HEATING VALUE: Item 8-Item 9
11. AVERAGE FLOW RATE: Item 7*24/Item 4
12. FLOW WEIGHTED AVERAGE TEMPERATURE: Calculated by flow computer
13. FLOW WEIGHTED AVERAGE PRESSURE: Calculated by flow computer
14. FLOW WEIGHTED AVERAGE DENSITY: Calculated by the flow computer
15. FLOW WEIGHTED AVERAGE METER FACTOR: Calculated by the flow computer
16. AVERAGE GAS VELOCITY – The average gas velocity calculated by the ultrasonic meter processor and the
gas velocity for the individual paths
17. GAS COMPOSITION - Either data received from an on-line gas chromatograph at every scan or entered
manually.
AVERAGE HEATING VALUE - Calculated by the flow computer based on the gas composition
SPECIFIC GRAVITY: Calculated by the flow computer based on the gas composition
Page 31 of 37
Appendix 1B - Delivery Ticket Format for Orifice Metering System

Station: AAAAAAAAA Delivery Date: MM/DD/YYYY

Ticket No.: XXXX Flow Computer Tag. No.: AAA-XXX Print Date/Time: MM/DD/YYYY/HH:MM
Meter Data:
Tag No. AAA-XXX Model No.: AAA-XXX Serial No.: XXXXXX
Manufacturer: AAAAAAAAA
Pipe ID (in): XX.XXX Orifice Plate Diameter (in):XX.XXX
1. Meter Closing (Date/Time) MM/DD/YYYY/HH:MM:SS

2. Meter Opening (Date/Time) MM/DD/YYYY/HH:MM:SS
3. Idle Time XX.XXX Hrs
4. Net Delivery Time XX.XXX Hrs
5. Meter Closing Reading (mmscf) XXX.XXX
6. Meter Opening Reading (mmscf) XXX.XXX
7. Total Volume (mmscf) XXX.XXX
8. Meter Closing Reading (mmscf) XXXXXX
9. Meter Opening Reading (mmBtu) XXXXXX
10. Total Heating Value (mmBtu) XXXXXX
11. Average Flow Rate (mmscfd) XXX.XXX
12. Average Differential Pressure (Inch WC) XX.XX
13. Average Temperature (F) XXX.X
14. Average Static Pressure (PSIG) XXX
15. Average Density (lb/scf) XX.XX
16. Gas Composition:
C1 XX.XX
C2 XX.XX
C3 XX.XX
i C4 XX.XX
n C4 XX.XX
i C5 XX.XX
n C5 XX.XX
C6+ XX.XX
N2 XX.XX
CO2 XX.XX
H2S XX.XX
H2O XX.XX
Average Heating Value XXXX BTU/SCF
Specific Gravity X.XXXX
Checked for Saudi Aramco By: __________________________ Date: ____________
Page 32 of 37
Explanation of Delivery Ticket for Systems with Orifice Meters
A new ticket shall be initiated upon delivery or receipt of a new batch; automatically at 12:00 midnight of each
day; or when manually initiated by the operator.
STATION - Alpha-numeric value entered in the metering system computer during initialization.
METER TICKET NUMBER – Computer generated number plus an alpha character if applicable. Numbers for
each meter are consecutively assigned by the flow computer beginning with 12:00 midnight of the 1st day of each
year
PRINT DATE/TIME - Date and time when ticket is printed.
SERVICE GAS – Alpha-numeric value entered in the metering flow computer during initialization (Natural Gas
or Ethane)
METER DATA (METER TAG NO, MANUFACTURER, MODEL NO. AND SERIAL NO, PIPE INSIDE
DIAMETER AND ORIFICE PLATE DIAMETER) - Alpha-numeric values entered in the metering system
computer during initialization
5. METER CLOSING READING: Total accumulated volume reading at the time delivery/receipt stops (mmscf)
6. METER OPENING READING: Total accumulated volume reading at the time delivery/receipt starts (mmscf)
7. TOTAL VOLUME: Item 5-Item 6
8. METER CLOSING READING: Total accumulated Heating value reading at the time the delivery/receipt
stops (mmBtu)
9. METER OPENING READING: Total accumulated Heating value reading at the time the delivery/receipt
starts (mmBtu)
10. TOTAL HEATING VALUE: Item 8-Item 9
11. AVERAGE FLOW RATE: Item 7*24/Item 4
12. FLOW WEIGHTED AVERAGE DIFFERENTIAL PRESSURE: Calculated by flow computer
13. FLOW WEIGHTED AVERAGE DIFFERENTIAL PRESSURE: Calculated by flow computer
14. FLOW WEIGHTED AVERAGE TEMPERATURE: Calculated by flow computer
15. FLOW WEIGHTED AVERAGE STATIC PRESSURE: Calculated by flow computer
17. GAS COMPOSITION: Either data received from an on-line gas chromatograph at every scan or entered
manually
AVERAGE HEATING VALUE: Calculated by the flow computer based on the gas composition
SPECIFIC GRAVITY: Calculated by the flow computer based on the gas composition
Page 33 of 37
Appendix 1C - Daily Delivery Ticket Format for Coriolis Metering Systems

STATION: AAAAAAAAA DELIVERY DATE: MM/DD/YYYY
PRINT DATE/TIME: MM/DD/YYYY/HH:MM
FLOW COMPUTER TAG. NO.: AAA-XXX
METER DATA:
TAG NO. AAA-XXX MODEL NO.: AAA-XXX SERIAL NO.: XXXXXX
MANUFACTURER: AAAAAAAAA METER K-FACTOR: XXXXX.XX Pulses/lb
PIPE ID (IN): XX.XXX CORIOLIS ID (IN):XX.XXX
1. METER CLOSING (DATE/TIME) MM/DD/YYYY/HH:MM:SS

2. METER OPENING (DATE/TIME) MM/DD/YYYY/HH:MM:SS
3. IDLE TIME XX.XXX HRS
4. NET DELIVERY TIME XX.XXX HRS
5. METER CLOSING READING (lb) XXX.XXX
6. METER OPENING READING (lb) XXX.XXX
7. TOTAL VOLUME (lb) XXX.XXX
8. TOTAL VOLUME (mmscf) XXX.XXX
9. METER CLOSING READING (mmBtu) XXXXXX
10. METER OPENING READING (mmBtu) XXXXXX
11. TOTAL HEATING VALUE (mmBtu) XXXXXX
12. AVERAGE MASS FLOW RATE (lb/d) XXX.XX
13. AVERAGE DENSITY (lb/cf) XX.XX
14. AVERAGE K-FACTOR (Pulses/lb) XXXXX.XX
15. GAS COMPOSITION:
Mole %
C1 XX.XX
C2 XX.XX
C3 XX.XX
i-C4 XX.XX
n-C4 XX.XX
i-C5 XX.XX
n-C5 XX.XX
C6+ XX.XX
N2 XX.XX
CO2 XX.XX
Average Heating Value XXXX Btu/scf
Average Specific Gravity X.XXXX
Page 34 of 37
Explanation of Delivery Ticket for Systems with Coriolis Flow Meters

A new ticket shall be initiated upon delivery or receipt; automatically at midnight of each day; or when
manually initiated by the operator.
STATION - Alpha-numeric value entered in the metering system computer during initialization
METER TICKET NUMBER - Computer generated number plus an alpha character if applicable.
Numbers for each meter are consecutively assigned by the flow computer beginning with 12:00
midnight of the 1st day of each year
FLOW COMPUTER TAG. NO. - This will be the tag number of the flow computer used to calculate
the total volume and energy for the receipt or delivery.
PRINT DATE/TIME - Date and time when ticket is printed
SERVICE GAS - Alpha-numeric value entered in the metering flow computer during initialization
(Natural Gas or Ethane)
METER DATA (METER TAG NO., MANUFACTURER, MODEL NO. AND SERIAL NO., PIPE
INSIDE DIAMETER, CORIOLIS METER DIAMETER AND METER K-FACTOR) - Alpha-numeric
values entered in the metering system computer during initialization.
5. METER CLOSING READING: Total accumulated volume reading at the time the delivery stops (lb).
6. METER OPENING READING: Total accumulated volume reading at the time the delivery starts (lb).
7. TOTAL VOLUME: Item 5-Item 6 (lb)
8. TOTAL VOLUME: Calculated by flow computer (mmscf)
9. METER CLOSING READING: Total accumulated heating value reading at the time the delivery
stops (mmBtu)
10. METER OPENING READING: Total accumulated heating value reading at the time the delivery
starts (mmBtu)
11. TOTAL Heating value: Item 8-Item 9
12. AVERAGE MASS FLOW RATE: The average mass flow rate calculated by flow computer
14. FLOW WEIGHTED AVERAGE K-FACTOR: Calculated by the flow computer
15. AVERAGE GAS COMPOSITION - Either the average gas composition data received from an on-
line gas chromatograph during the ticket period or entered manually
AVERAGE HEATING VALUE - Calculated by the flow computer based on the gas composition
AVERAGE SPECIFIC GRAVITY: Calculated by the flow computer based on the gas composition
Page 35 of 37
Appendix 1D - Comparison Report for Ultrasonic Meters

Station: AAAAAAAAA Print Date/Time: MM/DD/YYYY/HH:MM
Report No.: XXXX Comparison Start Date/Time: MM/DD/YYYY/HH:MM
SERVICE GAS: AAAAAAAAA Comparison Finish Date/Time: MM/DD/YYYY/HH:MM
Flow Computer Tag. No.: AAA-XXX
Operational Meter Data: Check Meter Data:
Tag No. AAA-XXX Tag No. AAA-XXX

Model No.: AAA-XXX Model No.: AAA-XXX
Serial No.: XXXXXX Serial No.: XXXXXX
Manufacturer: AAAAAAAAA Manufacturer: AAAAAAAAA
Meter K-Factor: XXXX Pulse/CF Meter K-Factor: XXXX Pulse/CF
USM ID (in): X.XXX USM ID (in): XX.XXX
Check Meter Readings:

1. Actual Volume mmscf XXX
2. Average Temperature °F XX.X
3. Average Pressure Psig XXX
4. Average Density lb/scf X.XXX
5. Average MF X.XXXX
6. Average Gas Velocity m/s XX.X
7. Flow Rate macfh XXX
8. Standard Volume mmscf XXX
Operational Meter Readings:

9. Actual Volume mmacf XXX
10. Average Temperature °F XX.X
11. Average Pressure Psig XXX
12. Average Density lb/scf X.XXX
13. Average MF X.XXXX
14. Average Gas Velocity m/s XX.X
15. Flow Rate macfh XXX
16. Standard Volume mmscf XXX
17. Vol. Deviation % X.XX
18. Duration of Comparison HH:MM:SS XX:XX:XX
Historical Records:
Date: MM/DD/YY MM/DD/YY MM/DD/YY MM/DD/YY MM/DD/YY MM/DD/YY MM/DD/YY
Flow Rate X.XXXX X.XXXX X.XXXX X.XXXX X.XXXX X.XXXX X.XXXX
Dev. % X.XX X.XX X.XX X.XX X.XX X.XX X.XX
Page 36 of 37
Explanation of Comparison Report for Ultrasonic Meters
A new master meter proving report shall be generated upon completion of the verification of the
operational meter(s) against the check meter.
STATION - Alpha-numeric value entered in the metering system computer during initialization.
REPORT NUMBER - Computer generated number plus an alpha character if applicable. Numbers for
each meter are consecutively assigned by the MSC every time a comparison is initiated.
PRINT DATE/TIME - Date and time when comparison report is printed.
SERVICE GAS - Alpha-numeric value entered in the metering flow computer during initialization
(Natural Gas or Ethane)
COMPARISON START AND FINISH DATE/TIME: The date & time when the comparison was
actually started and completed
OPERATIONAL & CHECK METERS DATA (METER TAG NO, MANUFACTURER, MODEL
NO. AND SERIAL NO, K FACTOR & UFM INSIDE DIAMETER) - Alpha-numeric values entered in
the metering system computer during initialization
CHECK & OPERATIONAL METER READINGS: The following data are determined during each
run of the proving process based on measurement by the check & operational meters and their
associated instruments
1 & 9. ACTUAL VOLUME - The volume at flowing conditions for operational and check meters
2 & 10. AVERAGE TEMPERATURE - Flow weighted average temperature for operational and
check meters
3 & 11. AVERAGE PRESSURE - Flow weighted average pressure for operational and check meters
4 & 12. AVERAGE DENSITY - Flow weighted average density for operational and check meters
5. & 13. AVERAGE MF - This applies only to the check meter and should reflect the average MF
during the proving
6 & 14. AVERAGE GAS VELOCITY - The average gas velocity for operational and check meters
7 & 15. FLOW RATE - The gas flow rate in the operational and check meters
8 & 16. STANDARD VOLUME - The volume at reference conditions for operational and check meters
17. VOLUME DEVIATION - (Line 16 - Line 8)/Line 8 x 100%
18. DURATION OF COMPARISON - Total difference between the comparison finish and start
times. The comparison of gas volumes of the operational and check meters shall start after
reasonable period of lineup defined the supervisory computer to establish check meter
conditions similar to the operational meter.
HISTORICAL RECORDS - The Date, Flow Rate and Deviation % of the previous 10 comparisons.
The Historical Record is updated each time a comparison is completed on the basis that oldest record
will be deleted.
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34 Samss 846

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Materials System Specification

34-SAMSS-846 22 January 2015

Saudi Aramco Desktop Standards

Previous Issue: 18 October 2009 Next Planned Update: 22 January 2020

Primary contact: Salim, Mohammed (salimx0b) on +966-13-8801371

Copyright©Saudi Aramco 2015. All rights reserved.

2 Conflicts and Deviations

3.1 Saudi Aramco References

Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedure

Saudi Aramco Engineering Standard

Saudi Aramco Materials System Specifications

34-SAMSS-115 Coriolis Flow Meters for Gas Custody Measurement

Saudi Aramco Forms and Data Sheets

3.2 Industry Codes and Standards

Electronic Industries Association

American National Standards Institute/Institute of Electrical & Electronics

National Electrical Manufacturers Association

International Electrotechnical Commission

National Fire Protection Association

API Manual of Petroleum Measurements Standards (MPMS)

American Gas Association

4 Definitions and Abbreviations

Custody Transfer Measurement: A specialized form of measurement that

Flow Computer: A dedicated off-the-shelf electronic device specifically

Redundant Devices: Two identical devices that operate in an interchangeable

duplicated in the secondary and are automatically transferred to the secondary if

Ticket: A document specifying the quantity and quality of hydrocarbon

5.1 Environmental Conditions

The flow computer shall operate continuously under the following

Indoor Air Outdoor Outdoor

Indoor humidity design basis shall be 20% to 80% relative humidity.

Outdoor design basis shall be 5% to 95% relative humidity

5.1.3 Ambient Air Quality

The flow computer shall be protected from airborne contaminants as

5.1.4 Offshore and Near-shore Environment

Equipment which is not enclosed or hermetically sealed, but is situated

operational failure due to wind-borne sea water spray and the

5.2 Electrical Area Classification

Installations in hazardous locations shall be per the National Electrical

5.3 Enclosures Indoor and Outdoor

5.4 Electrical Requirements

Unless specified otherwise on Instrument Specification Sheet SA-8020-846, the

5.4.1 Voltage and Frequency Variations

Table 1 – Supply Voltages

5.4.2 Supplies to DC instrument loads: Voltage stabilization shall be provided

5.4.3 A plainly marked, easily accessible equipment enclosure grounding

5.4.4 External wiring connections shall be to screw-type terminal blocks or

5.6 Electromagnetic Compatibility and Electromagnetic Immunity

A conformance certificate from an authorized agency stating the equipment is

5.7 Vendor Responsibility

5.8 Units of Measurement

5.9 Reference Conditions

All observed volumes shall be corrected to the reference temperature and

Item U.S. Customary (USC)

6 General Design Requirements

The flow computer shall be composed of manufacturer’s standard supplied

The flow computer shall be a standard off-the-shelf electronic device provided

All I/O circuits shall be protected against transient voltage surges of up to

Common Mode Rejection Ratio (CMRR) of the input circuitry shall be 60 dB or

Each flow computer shall be supplied with a minimum of 20% expansion

6.1.1 Pulse Inputs

The flow computer shall be capable of handling at minimum from 0 up

6.1.2 Analog Inputs